In partnership with Community Foundations of Canada (CFC) and the Squamish Community Foundation, Kia Communities in Motion provided funding in 2023 to the Squamish Nation Skwxwu7mesh Uxwumixw Valley Garden Project.
Kia Communities in Motion is a grassroots initiative that will see Kia Canada invest $1.4M over four years to support local projects that are building inclusive communities through innovative programming that encourages movement. Through the Squamish Community Foundation (SCF), a local project was selected as one of 5 recipients across Canada to receive this funding in 2023.
Squamish Nation is reviving their Gardening Program by providing 50 Garden Boxes throughout the community. The boxes are being delivered by the Elders to schools, youth groups and gathering spaces such as Town Halls to teach skills and bring the community together through a shared activity.
Encouraging sustainable food practices and self-sufficiency are two important skills the Squamish Valley community teaches to promote food sovereignty through the Skwxwu7mesh Uxwumixw Valley Garden Project. The ultimate goal being to return to traditional ways and help pass on skills. This funding will not only allow the program to be rejuvenated but also expanded.
“With Kia Communities in Motion, we have a huge opportunity to bring our 50+ garden boxes back into action, working with skilled local gardeners to completely rework our food systems and processing. O’Siem.” says Christine Baker, Manager, Squamish Valley Operations.
Many communities, including immigrants, Indigenous communities, racialized communities, individuals living with disabilities and the 2SLGBTQ+ community, among others, face unique challenges in creating safe and inclusive spaces. Kia Communities in Motion is supporting moving grassroots efforts forward to create a future where everyone flourishes. To learn more, click here.
